A 2019 Kentucky Extension Community Assessment of Powell County indicated that residents believe that fewer chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer should be a top priority.  Research has shown that a diet high in fruits and vegetables can decrease the occurrence of chronic diseases.  Homeowners are in a unique position to access fresh fruits and vegetables by growing their own.  

Education by Extension Agents and Specialists in home horticulture emphasizes the importance of variety selection on success.  In Eastern Kentucky, access to the latest improved varieties of fruit and vegetable plants is lacking.  

Extension Agents from 22 counties come together each year to assemble a bulk order.  The bulk order provides gardeners with access to the best recommended varieties at a deep discount compared to an individual order.   For example, a customer ordering 50 strawberry plants would cost $25.  An order through the plant sale program costs the gardener $8.  The 2020 Eastern Kentucky Plant Sale orders totaled over 50,000 plants with savings over $22,000 for Kentucky gardeners.  In addition to monetary savings, the introduction of improved plant genetics will improve the chance of fresh fruits and vegetables for homeowner for years to come.